First Citizens Bank has announced the addition of Greenville native Jim Dunklin as regional president.

Officials said the move was made as part of a strategic effort to grow along with Butler County. First Citizens Bank expanded into Butler and Lowndes Counties in 2010. The bank has been in business for 33 years.

Dunklin will work from the bank’s branch on the Greenville Bypass.

“We see so many opportunities to serve the hard working citizens of Butler County as we participate in the emerging economic growth of the area,” said William W. Petrey, president and CEO of First Citizens Bank. “Jim Dunklin has the coveted talent and experience we needed to take us to the next level of customer service, economic development and market expansion.  Jim has joined our talented and customer driven team at the Greenville Bypass location.  Jim’s commitment to daily carry out our creed of service, solutions and strength will be felt by many citizens, small businesses and industry wanting to expand.”

Petrey said Dunklin will be concentrating on small businesses.  He will focus on the suite of FCB small business programs which include: commercial real estate, construction/permanent financing, SBA and USDA guaranteed loans, lines of credit for working capital, equipment, online E-Business banking, merchant credit card services, payroll and debit cards.

“Many small businesses have been neglected and have suffered over the past several years, but they are the primary drivers of the American economy and are the backbone of our country,” Petrey said. “When small businesses are successful, they employ more people and generate more money that helps to stimulate local economies. Our recent expansion into Greenville and the addition of Jim Dunklin will be good for our customers and the community.  In this economic climate; stability and predictability is vital for any bank customer or business looking to the future.  While the air is filled with news of large corporate chain bank mergers, acquisitions and out of state takeovers; First Citizens Bank is here for the long haul.”

Dunklin said: “What is good for Butler County is good for FCB.   We are a community customer driven bank in the purest sense.  We have a full service menu of products for individuals and the business community.  Every customer is important to us and we work hard to be approachable, friendly and solutions driven.”

Dunklin was born and raised in Greenville and he is a sitting board member for the Butler County Commission for Economic Development (BCCED), City of Greenville Industrial Development Board, Greenville Downtown Redevelopment Authority, and the Greenville YMCA.  He formerly served as chairman of the board for the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dunklin has been married to his wife Tyler for 27 years and they have three children. He and his family attend First Presbyterian Church of Greenville.